Sask. government issues algae warning

The Saskatchewan government is warning the public to avoid contact with blue-green algae in lakes and other water bodies — a problem that experts say could worsenin the comingyears.

The toxic algae blooms in slow-moving or still water, which describes Last Mountain Lake and many other water bodies across the province.

The government says the recent heat wave has led to the rapid growth of blue-green algae.

People are warned not to drink, swim or eat fish from water where the algae is present. It can cause rashes, sore throats, cramps and diarrhea.

The blooms can last up to three weeks, and can be pushed around the lake or reservoir by the wind.

Some water-quality experts worrythe blooms aregetting more common.

Research by Peter Levitt, a University of Regina biology professor, shows algae levels in some Qu'Appelle Valley lakes have tripled since 1900.

Fertilizer and sewage runoff from Regina is to blame, according to Levitt.

Water treatment takes care of blue-green algae now, he said, but there's no way of knowing if it will continue to do so if the amount of algae increases.

"You might assume that some system that cleans the water now works fine, but in 10 or 15 years, it might not work sufficiently," he said.

Levitt is calling for more advanced sewage treatment in Regina, and reduced use of fertilizer around bodies of water.